2021 ISIB Participant Presentations
As a part of the virtual Iowa Summer Institute in Biostatistics, participants selected their top choices among eight research projects available to them. They were subsequently matched in groups of two and assigned to a faculty mentor with whom they conduct an extensive research. Their work and findings were presented at the virtual 2021 Iowa Summer Research Symposium.
The 2021 distance mentored research presentations are listed below, along with student comments about the program.
Megan Hall and David McGowan
Presentation
Relating Hearing Rehabilitation for Age Related Hearing Loss to Cognitive Decline
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Megan Hall: “I gained a lot of practical biostatistics experience through ISIB. I most enjoyed working on my presentation project and learning about different careers biostatisticians can pursue.”
David McGowan: “The Iowa Summer Institute in Biostatistics was a great way to get some research experience in biostatistics and exposure to a graduate program in biostatistics! I also benefitted from hearing from a wide variety of faculty and alumni speak about different areas of research and pathways beyond graduate school. “
Sarah Coleman and Noah Johnson
Presentation
Machine Learning and Extrapolation: Predicting University of Iowa Student Enrollment
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Sarah Coleman: “Before entering ISIB, I was very excited to explore biostatistics, a field I had only recently heard of but was already intrigued by. ISIB showed me that biostatistics is the perfect field to combine my interest in public health, skill in math, and desire to participate in diverse and collaborative research. The invaluable guidance and mentorship I experienced through the course of ISIB has given me the confidence to purse graduate school and a career in biostatistics.”
Noah Johnson: “I really liked this course and felt like I was taking a glimpse at what the life of a biostatistician is like.”
Tanner Street and Vineet Narayanan
Presentation
Radiomics for Clinical Outcome Prediction in Head and Neck Cancer Patients
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Tanner Street: “ISIB provided me a thorough, engaging exploration of the field of biostatistics through lectures, lab periods, and a research project. The program also allowed me to make connections with my peers and the helpful faculty in the department.”
Vineet Narayanan: “Very enjoyable and informative time I had at ISIB 2021. I was able to gain perspective on a career path that was relatively unknown to me. I will keep these experiences in mind when choosing a graduate level program to further my educational experience.”
Kelly Cagney and Asha Pantula
Presentation
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Kelly Cagney: “My ISIB experience has been great. I loved getting to know all the faculty members and other students. Even though the program was conducted virtually, I still had a fun time and learned a lot.”
Asha Pantula: “ISIB wonderfully introduced me to the vast world of biostatistics and all that it has to offer. I greatly appreciated the friendly learning environment that the program was able to create for us despite the virtual setup. It serves as a testament to all the delightful people involved.”
Mae Morton-Dutton
Behavioral and Environmental Pathways and Enteric Pathogen Profiles in Infants in Kisumu, Kenya
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Mae Morton-Dutton: “Virtual ISIB this summer was such an enlivening and informative experience! I really appreciated all the guest speakers, professors, and alumni sharing their area of expertise – it provided terrific insight into the multifaceted nature of Biostatistics. I am excited to apply the statistical methods/ communication knowledge I have learned to my future classes and projects!”
Finn Beruldsen and Brianna Lau
Presentation
Sleep Apnea and Bone Marrow Transplant Recovery
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Brianna Lau: “Attending ISIB provided great insight into the truly diverse applications of biostatistics in many fields. I’m so thankful for the opportunity to learn R and work with real data under the guidance of many experienced, brilliant, and patient mentors.”
Roilan Iglesias and Katherine Pheysey
An Analysis of the Differential Impacts of COVID-19 Mortality in the United States
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Roilan Iglesias: “The summer experience was great. I especially enjoyed the research and making of the project. It has given me a taste of how statistical research is done and how important it is.”
Katherine Pheysey: “These past 7 weeks have made this summer one of the best I’ve ever had. Everyone I met from UIowa was incredibly knowledgeable and kind, and made the whole experience fun and engaging.”
Megan Gelement and Ting Huang
Presentation
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Megan Gelement: “Despite the fact that ISIB was conducted remotely this year, I felt very immersed in the biostatistics field over the past 7 weeks. Regardless of whether I pursue a career in biostatistics, I will have gained valuable insight that will allow me to better read and understand scientific literature.”
Ting Huang: “At ISIB, I was able to review and improve my statistical skills as well as giving me a chance to apply those skills to a real world research project. I have learned a lot about the field of biostatistics and I am grateful to have had this opportunity to explore it in depth.”